For those conducting research in complex settings with sensitive subjects and potentially at-risk populations, the rapport-building process is crucial, both for ethical and methodological reasons. Research participants must have a high degree of trust in the researcher, particularly if their participation in a study brings risk to their health and safety. At the same time, conducting interviews in challenging field sites can take a toll on the mental health and well being of researchers, particularly when there is a lack of trust between them and participants.
Designed for MSc and PhD students intending to conduct in-person or remote qualitative fieldwork, this highly interactive workshop will explore the importance of trust in productive communication and the role of rapport in challenging power asymmetries. Participants will learn about the three ‘output channels’ of rapport: body, voice, and words, and learn how to interpret verbal and non-verbal communication patterns. For those conducting virtual research, the workshop will also cover opportunities and challenges around building trust and rapport in digital settings. Participants will be offered real-life research scenarios with the opportunity to ‘role play’ and practice rapport-building skills with one another.
The workshop will be highly interactive, with a mix of theory and applied techniques. It will be a half-day workshop, delivered on Zoom. Participants will be expected to engage in group discussion and mindfulness-based or perspective-taking exercises.